Loma Linda University School of Medicine welcomed 20 high school students from local Seventh-day Adventist academies for the inaugural Future Doctors Program, a new pathway program to introduce students to careers in medicine. The weeklong summer program was held July 6–10, 2026.
The Future Doctors Program is the newest addition to the School of Medicine's growing portfolio of pathway programs attracting middle school students to undergraduates to learn more about healthcare careers, research opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences.
“The Future Doctors Program was designed to give high school students more than just a glimpse into medicine—it gives them a roadmap," said Dexter Frederick, MD, associate dean for Mission Alignment and Workforce Innovation at Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
Throughout the week, students explored foundational anatomy, laboratory experiences, clinical skills, and leadership development, while gaining an understanding of the medical school admissions process. They also had the opportunity to interact with medical students, resident physicians, admissions leaders, and attend faculty presentations from Francis Chan, MD, chair of the Department of Pediatrics; Carlos M. Casiano, MD; assistant professor of pathology; Hansel Fletcher, PhD, assistant dean for graduate student affairs; and Emanuel Eguia, MD, assistant professor of surgery.
Future Doctors Program highlights:
- Roadmap to Medical School: Participants explored the medical school admissions process through a simulated admissions experience featuring mock interviews, mentorship, departmental exploration, and career planning.
- Mentorship from medical students: Participants connected with current medical students who shared their personal journeys, answered questions, and offered advice and encouragement throughout the week.
- Memory enhancement training: Students practiced memory and recall techniques to strengthen study habits and prepare for the demands of medical education.
- Hands-on orthopedic workshop: Guided by Loma Linda University School of Medicine orthopedic residents and medical students who volunteer with the Bone Academy, the participants practiced skills on artificial bone models such as sawing, drilling, and screw placement.
- Medical Simulation Center tour: Students explored the Medical Simulation Center and experienced the advanced technology and simulation-based training used to educate medical students and physicians.
- Artificial intelligence in healthcare: Students explored how artificial intelligence is transforming medicine through sessions led by Loma Linda University's Information Services team. Working in groups, they completed and presented an AI Capstone Project integrating the week's learning how to improve patient care and healthcare delivery.
The inaugural Future Doctors Program reflects the School of Medicine's continued commitment to developing future healthcare professionals through a variety of pathway programs such as the Healthcare Opportunities for Pathways Exploration (H.O.P.E.) Symposium, Mentoring in the Health Sciences (MITHS), Apprenticeship Bridge to College (ABC) Program, Undergraduate Training Program (UTP), and other Loma Linda University pathway programs.
